Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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TAUNT
NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD MEN
TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR PLANET.
Submitter comment:
THE TIME IS NOW FOR MEN TO WAKE UP AND REALIZE WHAT
HAS TO BE DONE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Keyword(s): ANAPESTS ; GOOD MEN TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR COUNTRY. ; PARODY: ON TYPING EXERCISE: NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL
| Subject headings: | 730 Lyrical Verse |
VERSE WITHOUT MUSIC
MATHEW, MARK, LUKE AND JOHN,
BLESS THE BED THAT I LIE ON!
ALL FOUR CORNERS ROUND ABOUT,
WHEN I GET IN, WHEN I GET OUT.
FOUR CORNERS TO MY BED,
FOUR ANGELS ROUND MY HEAD;
ONE TO WATCH AND ONE TO PRAY,
AND TWO TO BEAR MY SOUL AWAY.
Submitter comment: HEARD IN SCHOOL.
Keyword(s): DEATH PIOUS SLEEPING BIBLICAL ; PIOUS ; PRAYER ; RHYME: AABB
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse |
LEGEND OF BEAR ISLAND
THERE IS AN INDIAN LEGEND THAT TELLS HOW THE FAMOUS MICHIGAN BEAR
ISLAND WAS MADE. IT WAS SAID THAT A MOTHER BEAR AND HER TWO CUBS
WERE ATTEMPTING TO SWIM ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN, BUT THEY EACH WERE
OVERCOME BY EXHAUSTION BEFORE THEY COULD EVEN SWIM 5 TO 6 MILES.
THEIR BODIES NOW FORM THE BIG BEAR ISLAND AND THE TWO SMALL BEAR
ISLANDS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BATTLE CREEK
Keyword(s): AMERICAN INDIAN ; SLEEPING BEAR SAND DUNE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 00-00-1954
IT IS BELIEVED THAT OPENING AN UMBRELLA IN THE
HOUSE WILL BRING BAD LUCK. IF YOU ARE AN UNMARRIED
GIRL, IT ESPECIALLY MEANS THAT YOU WILL REMAIN
AN OLD MAID FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SPINSTER
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Marriage Dating Courtship BELIEF -- Bad luck Umbrella |
Date learned: 10-27-1969
IF A GIRL TAKES THE LAST PORTION FROM A SERVING BOWL
OR PLATTER, SHE WILL BE AN OLD MAID.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION ; SPINSTER ; TABLE MANNERS
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. BELIEF -- Number Last events: the last person to the table... |
Date learned: 10-25-1968
IF YOU EVER SIT ON A TABLE, YOU'LL ALWAYS BE AN OLD MAID.
Submitter comment:
THIS OLD SAYING WAS CLEARLY TO KEEP ME OFF THE FURNITURE
AND ENCOURAGE ME TO BE MORE LADYLIKE.
James Callow Keyword(s): SPINSTER
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Good luck P881.2 |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
A CRICKET IN A HOME BRINGS GOOD LUCK
Submitter comment: INFORMANT'S MOTHER STATED THIS IN 1925
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD IN
James Callow Keyword(s): PINOCCHIO
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Insect BELIEF -- Good luck P881.3 |
Date learned: 00-00-1929
WAITRESS BELIEF ABOUT SILVERWARE
NEVER PUT SILVERWARE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF A CUSTOMER
OR YOU WON'T GET A TIP.
Submitter comment:
THIS HAS A LOT TO DO WITH A RIGHTHANDED CUSTOMER
HAVING TO REACH OVER FOR HIS SILVERWARE.
Where learned: HOME ; SCHOOL ; MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION ; RIGHTHANDEDNESS ; TIPPING
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration Implement to handle food |
Date learned: CA1963-1975
BELIEF OR PREDICTION
YOU CAN DETERMINE THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE BY COUNTING THE NUMBER
OF TIMES A CRICKET RUBS HIS FOOT IN A MINUTE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL INSECT ; WHICH RUBBING PRODUCES CHIRPING SOUND.
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Insect BELIEF -- Weather sign or control P890.3 |
LYDIE PINKHAM
LYDIE PINKHAM USED TO BE SOLD IN STORES. IT WAS A REMEDY FOR THOSE
PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT HAVING LUCK IN HAVING BABIES-IF
YOU TOOK IT YOU WOULD BE SURE TO HAVE A BABY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): LYDIA PINKHAM WAS A POPULAR NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Birth |
BELIEF
AT A BRIDAL SHOWER, THE NUMBER OF TIMES THE RIBBON BREAKS, IS THE
NUMBER OF CHILDREN YOU WILL HAVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): UNWRAPPING GIFTS DURING BRIDAL SHOWER
| Subject headings: | 870 BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 01-00-1971
CHINESE WISDOM
ONE JOY DISPELS A HUNDRED CARES.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
James Callow Keyword(s): HAPPINESS ; OBSERVATION ; SADNESS
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. BELIEF -- Number P686.1.100 PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
( HOLY WEEK CUSTOMS )
SOME OF THE OLD WORLD CUSTOMS THAT ARE CELEBRATED BY
POLISH-AMERICANS, AND ARE A BIG PART OF OUR HERITAGE STEM FROM
OUR CATHOLIC FAITH. THE BIGGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT IS EASTER.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF HOLY THURSDAY SERVICES OUR ALTAR IS
STRIPPED OF ITS VESTMENTS AND IS LEFT BARE. THE TABERNACLE
IS LEFT OPEN AND THE SACREMENT REMOVED. AT THE SIDE ALTAR THE
SEPULCHRE IS PREPARED. AT 3:00 ON GOOD FRIDAY THE FIGURE OF
CHRIST WILL BE LYING IN THE TOMB. ON GOOD FRIDAY ( , )
BEGINNING AT 12:00 NOON ( , ) THE CHURCH IS FILLED TO CAPACITY
WITH WORSHIPPERS COMMENORATING ( COMMEMORATING ) CHRIST'S
CRUCIFIXION. THE CROSS IS CARRIED THROUGH THE AISLES COVERING
CHRIST'S FOOTSTEPS ON THE WAY TO CALVARY. AT 3:00, THE PRIEST
LEADS THE PROCESSION TO THE SEPULCHRE AND THE FIGURE OF CHRIST IS
UNCOVERED.
THE MORNING OF HOLY SATURDAY FINDS THE PEOPLE COMING TO THE CHURCH
TO RECEIVE HOLY WATER AND THORNS. IN POLISH HOMES YOU WILL FIND
A RECEPTACLE FOR HOLY WATER AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE BEDROOMS FROM
WHICH THE MOTHER BLESSES HER FAMILY WHILE THEY ARE ASLEEP AT
NIGHT. A VISIT IS PAID TO THE SEPULCHRE WHICH IS GUARDED BY
SOLDIERS. THE PARISHIONERS BRING EASTER LILIES TO ADORN CHRIST'S
TOMB. AT 1:00 WE BRING FOOD BASKETS TO THE CHURCH TO BE BLESSED,
WHICH WILL BE EATEN FOR BREAKFAST ON EASTER. THE FOOD CONSISTS OF
POLISH SAUSAGE (KIELBASA) ( , ) BUTTER SHAPED IN THE FORM OF A
LAMB WITH A RED RIBBON AROUND ITS NECK, SIGNIFYING CHRIST,
THE SLAIN LAMB. A SWEET BREAD MADE OF EGG AND SWEET RAISINS IS
BRAIDED INTO A LOAF, HORSERADISH AND COLORED EASTER ( EGGS ) ARE
ALSO IN THE BASKET.
EASTER MORNING AT 5:00 A.M. THE SUNRISE SERVICES BEGIN.
CHILDREN DRESSED IN WHITE ( , ) WEARING BLUE CAPES ( , ) COME IN
PROCESSION CARRYING FLOWERS. THEY ARE MET AT THE ALTAR BY THE
PRIEST AND WITH A TRUMPET FANFARE PROCEED TO THE TOMB. THERE
THEY FIND THE FIGURE OF CHRIST HAS BEEN REMOVED AND WHERE HE LAID
FLOWERS EN-MASSE. ARTIFICIAL SUNRAYS PROFUSE FROM THE TOMB, AND
THE SOLDIERS ARE GONE. CHRIST IS RISEN.
IN THE OLD COUNTRY EASTER MONDAY FINDS THE BOYS CHASING THEIR
GIRLS WITH LONG SWITCHES TO SWITCH THEIR LEGS. THEY IN TURN,
ARE CHASING THE BOYS WITH BUCKETS OF WATER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; MUSIC ; RITUAL WHIPPING ; SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL ; WATER
Date learned: 11-10-1971
CUSTOM
ON GOOD FRIDAY MORNING THE FATHER OF THE FAMILY USED TO SWITCH
THE LEGS OF HIS CHILDREN WHILE THEY WERE STILL IN BED ASLEEP ( , )
SAYING ( , ) "NA BOZE RONY" MEANING "FOR CHRIST'S WOUNDS". THIS
TRADITION WAS PRACTICED BY POLISH PEOPLES LIVING IN
AMERICA.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT STATED THAT HER FATHER HAD LIVED IN POLAND NEAR THE
CITY OF PAZAN WHERE THIS TRADITION WAS POPULAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; RESIDENCE ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): RITUAL WHIPPING
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday Favorites |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
LITHUANIAN EASTER CUSTOM
ON EASTER SUNDAY MORNING, LITHUANIAN YOUNGSTERS STRIKE EACH OTHER
WITH HAY TO AWAKEN THEIR SOULS TO THE NEW RELIGIOUS YEAR THAT IS
BEGINNING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): RITUAL WHIPPING ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 11-16-1969
SWITCHING DAY
ON THE DAY AFTER EASTER POLISH GIRLS STAY INSIDE IF THEY
KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR THEM. THE BOYS ARE OUT TO GET THEM WITH WATER
BALLOONS, EGGS, NUTS AND VARIOUS OTHER GOODIES. SOMETIMES IN THE
MORNING PARENTS WILL LET NEIGHBORHOOD BOYS IN, AND THEY QUIETLY MAKE
WAY TO THE DAUGHTER'S BEDROOM WHERE SHE SLEEPS, AND
BEGIN TO "SWITCH" THE FEET WITH LIMBS OF PUSSY WILLOW
TREES; THEY MAY ALSO SPRINKLE WATER ON THE GIRLS. THIS CUSTOM IS
DERIVED FROM THE ACTION OF LONG AGO
WHEN ST. STEPHEN WAS STONED THE DAY AFTER
EASTER. HOWEVER, THE BOYS MUST BEWARE, FOR TUESDAY IS REVENGE
DAY AND THE GIRLS ARE OUT TO GET THEM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; RITUAL WHIPPING ; WATER ; WILLOW
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Tuesday Revenge Day |
Date learned: 11-22-1971
POLISH CUSTOM ON EASTER MONDAY--SWITCH DAY
MY MOTHER, WHO WAS BORN AND REARED IN HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN, SAID
IT WAS THE CUSTOM FIFTY YEARS AGO (C. 1915) FOR THE BOYS IN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD TO GET UP REAL EARLY ON THE MONDAY FOLLOWING EASTER
SUNDAY AND VISIT THE HOMES OF THE GIRLS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
SINCE THERE WAS NO SCHOOL THAT DAY THE GIRLS WOULD
BE TRYING TO SLEEP IN. THE BOYS
ALWAYS IN GROUPS OF THREE OR FOUR WOULD BE ADMITTED INTO THE HOUSE
AND IF ANY GIRLS WERE STILL IN BED THEY WOULD BE CONDUCTED, BY THE
GIRLS' MOTHER TO THE BEDROOM WHERE AMIDST MUCH PROTEST, EITHER
FEIGNED OR ACTUAL, THEY BEAT THE GIRLS ABOUT THE FEET AND ANKLES.
THEIR WEAPONS FOR THIS TASK WOULD BE WILLOW SWITCHES WHICH
WERE SOFT AND GREEN. APPARENTLY NO ONE WAS EVER HURT PHYSICALLY
BUT THE SCENE WAS USUALLY QUITE WILD. THE BOYS WOULD THEN STAY AND HAVE
BREAKFAST, USUALLY HAM OR KIELBASA LEFT OVER FROM THE PREVIOUS DAY.
Submitter comment:
(RITES OF LUPERCAL IN "JULIUS CAESAR"??)
Data entry tech comment:
Informant is collector's mother.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; RITUAL WHIPPING ; WILLOW
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus |
Date learned: 00-00-1946
EASTER MONDAY
THE DAY AFTER EASTER WAS CALLED "DYNGUS DAY" OR "SWITCHING DAY."
THE MONDAY AFTER EASTER THE BOYS WOULD SWITCH THE GIRLS OR IN OTHER
WORDS THEY WOULD HIT THEM ON THE LEGS WITH A SWITCH OR A PIECE OF
STICK. IF THE BOY CAUGHT YOU AND SWITCHED YOU, YOU HAD TO GIVE HIM
SOME CANDY OR AN APPLE OR HERE IN AMERICA SOME MONEY. THE NEXT
DAY, TUESDAY, IT WAS THE GIRL'S TURN TO SWITCH THE BOYS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; informant's home
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; EASTER GIFTS ; FOOD CUSTOM ; HEALTH ; REVENGE ; RITUAL WHIPPING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Tuesday Revenge Day |
Date learned: 03-11-1970
DYNGUS DAY
ACCORDING TO OLD POLISH CUSTOM, ON EASTER MONDAY, ALL YOUNG POLISH
BOYS ARE ALLOWED TO TEASE GIRLS AND SWITCH THEM LIGHTLY WITH A
BRANCH OR TWIG ETC. THIS IS A SIGN OF SPRING AND A YOUNG BOY
BECOMING INTERESTED IN GIRLS.
Submitter comment:
IT IS A CUSTOM IN INFORMANT'S FAMILY ALSO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; RITUAL WHIPPING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus |
SWITCH DAY
THE DAY AFTER EASTER IS KNOWN AS SWITCH DAY (DIENGUS) AMONG POLES.
ON THIS DAY BOYS BUY RED SWITCHES AND ARE ALLOWED TO TRY AND
"SWITCH" THE GIRLS. IF THEY SUCCEED, THE GIRLS MUST TAKE THEM HOME
FOR DINNER, WHERE THE GIRLS' FATHERS SEE THAT THE BOYS HAVE ALL THEY
WANT TO EAT AND DRINK. THE DAY AFTER THIS, THE SITUATION IS
REVERSED AND THE GIRLS GET TO SWITCH THE BOYS THEN TAKE THEM HOME
FOR DINNER.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS STILL A CUSTOM PRACTICED IN HAMTRAMCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; REVENGE ; RITUAL WHIPPING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Tuesday Revenge Day |
Date learned: 04-10-1967